Every Second Counts

Wednesday, 15 July 2015 15:52

When it comes to cardiac arrest, every second counts and Woodstock Police want to make sure when they arrive on the scene they can help

WOODSTOCK - When it comes to cardiac arrest, every second counts and Woodstock Police want to make sure when they arrive on the scene they can help.

The force is one of a few in Ontario that will have an Automated External Defibrillator available in their front line supervisor marked vehicle that is on the road 24/7. Deputy Chief Daryl Longworth said: "Medical research clearly indicates that the probability for survival following a sudden cardiac arrest increases dramatically with early medical intervention. While our primary mandate is still going to focus on public safety and security, as first responders, there are many occasions where our officers arrive on the scene of a cardiac arrest and commence CPR until paramedic or fire personnel arrive. All of our officers are trained in Basic First Aid and CPR but with this new equipment and additional training they have the opportunity to deliver more meaningful intervention quickly and provide an individual with a better chance at survival."

Manager of Emergency Services for Oxford County, Joe Pember Jr. said: "We know that more than 80% of cardiac arrests will happen in the home, and for every minute that passes without CPR or an AED being administered, the chance of survival decreases by 7-10%. That's why having more mobile AED's deployed with our local police can truly save lives. We are fully supportive of seeing even more AED's rolling out in the future and Oxford County Paramedic Services is committed to providing the training for the officers."

The AED equipment was donated by the Hardie Family Foundation, from funds raised by the Jeff Pincombe Memorial Golf Tournament held annually in honour of Oxford Community Police Officer Jeff Pincombe who was killed in an off-duty motor vehicle collision. The Foundation has purchased and donated an AED specifically to be utilized in a marked Police Cruiser that will be available for use 24 hours a day 7 days a week.